Demand for natural facial scrubs sees sales soar to £1.4m

The use of natural ingredients such as clay and sugar in facial scrubs has driven growth in the sector, which is now worth £1.4 million in the UK, according to research by big data provider Information Resources Incorporated (IRI).

Clay is the ingredient that contributed most to the value growth of facial scrubs in the 12 months to January 27, 2018, up a massive 339%, followed by sugar (39%), because it encourages cellular turnover, and salt (37%), due to its inflammation-reducing properties.

Last year, the UK Government confirmed it would ban the manufacture of cosmetics and personal products containing microbeads – solid plastic particles, with many brands having to seek out natural alternatives. The ban came into force in January 2018.

Kaajal Bhatti, senior insight manager at IRI, said: “Sales of the biggest brands in 2017 declined, whereas new entrants offering natural and environmentallyfriendly ingredients and packaging demonstrated positive sales growth.

Established brands will have to be nimbler to adapt to changing consumer trends.”